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Body-powered variable impedance: An approach to augmenting humans with a passive device by reshaping lifting posture
Sung-Sik Yun1,2, Keewon Kim3, Jooeun Ahn4,5,6
1Soft Robotics Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Science Robotics
|August 26, 2021
Summary
A novel passive exosuit guides users toward safer squat-lifting techniques, reducing injury risk. This wearable device encourages proper posture, unlike traditional methods, by adding joint impedance to hinder stooping.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Robotics
Background:
- Comfort-seeking movement patterns can increase injury risk, especially during lifting.
- Conventional methods to correct lifting posture are insufficient for preventing repetitive strain injuries.
- Optimal lifting involves the kinetic chain cooperating in squat-lifting patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a passive exosuit that guides users toward squat-lifting trajectories.
- To reduce injury risk associated with improper lifting techniques.
- To investigate the effectiveness of a body-powered variable-impedance mechanism in modifying human motion.
Main Methods:
- Devised a passive exosuit with a body-powered variable-impedance mechanism.
- The exosuit applies impedance to hinder stooping and facilitate squatting.
- Conducted experiments with first-time users lifting a 10-kg box and analyzed kinematic and kinetic data.
Main Results:
- Users' voluntary lifting motion shifted closer to squatting.
- Simulations showed reduced compression force, shear force, and moment on the lumbosacral joint.
- The exosuit effectively guided movement without complex or bulky systems.
Conclusions:
- Passive exosuits can guide human movement towards desirable patterns.
- This technology offers a promising approach to reduce back injuries from lifting.
- Variable-impedance mechanisms in exosuits can enhance user safety and movement efficiency.
